Janella Sue (Ries) Neverman

Janella Sue Neverman, 59, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away in the arms of her beloved husband, at UIHC, on Sunday, March 20, 2022, after a short but courageous battle with melanoma. She was born on November 8, 1962, in Manchester, the thirteenth and youngest child of Matthew and Julia (Knipper) Ries.  

She had cherished memories of her early life on the family farm near Ryan and her teenage years at home in Manchester. Janella and Mick became engaged at the stroke of midnight under the pealing bells of the Campanile, on the campus of UNI. They were married on June 1, 1985, a beautiful summer day, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester. Three children were born to this union.

Her strong faith and many talents including her passion for teaching, appreciation for music and joy of cooking, led her to a lifetime of service to others. While still in college, she worked several summers as head cook at the Howard H. Cherry Scout Reservation, serving up thousands of meals to young scouts and camp staff. After graduating from UNI, she shared her faith while teaching at St. Paul School of Religion in Manchester, then went on to teach Family and Consumer Sciences at Maquoketa Valley Schools and West Delaware Schools before retiring in 2015. Her volunteer activities reached throughout the community. She served as the music coordinator at St. Mary Catholic Church, directing both youth and adult choirs. Janella especially enjoyed her time with the “F Troop” and helping couples plan their wedding music. She was co-organizer of West Delaware’s annual back-to-school fair and was involved in many other community projects.

Janella and Mick enjoyed each other and their shared interest of gardening, hiking, pickle ball and appreciating nature as they rode their bicycles throughout the state. Visitors were always welcome in her home and around the table for a delicious homemade meal. Her proudest role was as mother and grandmother. Janella cherished her regular “granny-nanny” job and visiting her Michigan grandchildren.

Janella will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Left to honor her memory are her husband, Mick Neverman; her three children, Dr. Lisa (Dr. Royce) Woodroffe of Iowa City, Nicole (Dr. Kale) Bongers of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and Jason Neverman of Manchester; her grandchildren, James, Julia, Everett, Graham and Ada. She is also survived by her siblings, Sr. Irma Ries of Dubuque; Marvin (Karen) Ries, Ken (Karen) Ries, and Jerome (Mary Kay) Ries, all of Ryan; Donna (Joe) Smith, Jim (Pat) Ries, Julie (Kevin) Miller, and Garry Zumbach,  all of Monticello; Jon (Becky) Ries and Kevin (Colleen) Ries of Manchester; Kathy (Rick) Davis of Marion, and Glen Paulsen of Kimberling City, Missouri; mother-in-law, Lou Dene Neverman of Jesup; sisters-and brothers-in-law, Deb Neverman of Cedar Rapids, Linda (Kris) Greenwood of Ankeny, Steve (Donna) Neverman, Pam (Gene) Schmidt, Mart (Sue) Neverman, and Ann (Denis) Weber, all of Jesup; Kathy (Art) Schlumbohm and Julie (Kevin) Hoffman of Oelwein; Kim (Alan) Schaffer of Troy, Illinois and Andy (Deb) Neverman of Martelle.

Janella was at peace in knowing she would be reunited in heaven with her parents, Matt and Julia Ries; her sisters, Mary Paulsen and Carla Zumbach; and her father-in-law, Claire Neverman. May God welcome her into His eternal light.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials are preferred.

Janella’s Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at www.blessedtrinitycluster.com. Click Mass Live Stream.

Because of COVID-19 concerns, masks are recommended at the funeral home and church.

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